Christian Aid Worker Illegally Held in Haitian Prison Since October

Daniel Pye, a Christian missionary who runs an orphanage in Haiti, has been incarcerated in a Haitian prison in Jacmel since mid October. He was arrested without being charged and held without possible release till Dec 24. At that point he was released briefly and re-arrested in the parking lot of the prison the same day being charged with possession of illegal documents. He remains in prison today.

Danny came to Haiti 6 years ago founding a ministry to help children whose parents were unable financially to keep their children. At the home, there are 22 youngsters from very young to teens. They receive nutritious meals, clothing, a bed to sleep in, an education, and "parents" who love them. A few months before Papa Danny was jailed, the family had the joy of learning that another little "Danny" was on the way. Mama Leann was pregnant with a little boy that they were all anxious to welcome home.

This happy family has been separated by this travesty, and the orphanage children as well as Leann and their daughter Riann, deprived of their husband and father. Since his jailing, Danny has had malaria, severe vomiting and diarrhea requiring IV fluids, and of

course myriad skin infections from the heat, humidity and vermin. Fortunately he has not had cholera which has hit his prison. He is currently suffering from malnutrition as a result of the imprisonment. In Haitian jails, you only get decent food if your family provides it, which of course Danny's does. But how can you eat good food when the others sit and watch you? You share, of course.

Danny is accused of possessing an ID card. This is a card that used to be provided by the government of Haiti in a plastic card format. It is now just a paper. Because it resembles a voter registration card for Haitian citizens there was some confusion as to how he could have one. The US embassy has written several letters of complaint to the Haitian justice system. The justice system has stated that it is not illegal for Danny to possess this card and has reprimanded the judge in charge of this fiasco, but he has refused to comply.

Meanwhile, Danny languishes in jail. Danny's hair is falling out, his already thin frame is getting thinner, and he is extremely weak from lack of activity. (Going out into the yard is very risky because many fights break out there) His stomach has been getting touchy and since Feb 6 he has not been able to keep solids down so he has quit trying. He has subsisted on Cokes for 13 days at this writing.

Leann had to leave Haiti for the US a couple weeks ago because she isdue to deliver their baby in just a few short weeks. Christmaswithout her husband was depressing. How much more so delivering theirsecond child?

Danny Pye is being held illegally as stated even by Haiti's own judicial system. Neither the US embassy, state department, UN nor the Haitian justice department have been able to effect a release. Must an innocent American die in a Haitian jail before action is taken

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